Grain analysis computer

ABSTRACT

A grain analyst computer is disclosed which has a quartz-iodide lamp to provide infrared radiation which is directed through a lens toward the surface of a quantity of grain which is to have certain constituents thereof analyzed. The infrared radiation is made parallel by the lens and then passes through selected filters so that only a specific frequency of the radiation impinges upon the grain sample, and this frequency provides a reflected radiation signal which has an amplitude corresponding to the quantity of a given constituent within the sample being analyzed. A plurality of pulse signals is then generated by a photocell which receives the reflected signals. These pulse signals are applied to a signal storage circuit and a signal computing circuit to provide a direct readout in terms of per cent of the constituents being analyzed. A reference standard element is automatically positioned in light-receiving relation with the light source so that the constants within the storage and computing circuits can be adjusted automatically prior to analyzing each grain sample. The plurality of filter elements are adjustably mounted to a rotating filter wheel which provides tilt adjustment to each filter element so that an exact positioning thereof can be obtained, thus accurately selecting the frequency which is to pass therethrough.

United States Patent [1 1 Anson et al.

[ GRAIN ANALYSIS COMPUTER [75] Inventors: James H. Anson, Auburn; DonaldE.

ONeal, Springfield, both of 111.

[73] Assignee: Dickey-John Corporation, Auburn,

ill.

[22] Filed: Aug. 1, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 277,131

Primary Examiner-James W. Lawrence Assistant ExaminerT. N. GrigsbyAttorney-Roy H. Olson et al.

[57] ABSTRACT A grain analyst computer is disclosed which has a Dec. 4,1973 quartz-iodide lamp to provide infrared radiation which is directedthrough a lens toward the surface of a quantity of grain which is tohave certain constituents thereof analyzed. The infrared radiation ismade parallel by the lens and then passes through selected filters sothat only a specific frequency of the radiation impinges upon the grainsample, and this frequency provides a reflected radiation signal whichhas an amplitude corresponding to the quantity of a given constituentwithin the sample being analyzed. A plurality of pulse signals is thengenerated by a photocell which receives the reflected signals. Thesepulse signals are applied to a signal storage circuit and a signalcomputing circuit to provide a direct readout in terms of per cent ofthe constituents being analyzed. A reference standard element isautomatically positioned in lightreceiving relation with the lightsource so that the constants within the storage and computing circuitscan be adjusted automatically prior to analyzing each grain sample. Theplurality of filter elements are adjustably mounted to a rotating filterwheel which provides tilt adjustment to each filter element so that anexact positioning thereof can be obtained, thus accurately selecting thefrequency which is to pass therethrough.

30 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures REAnv MPUTI Q) mm user [III 155%.? will'iiciia te ml Penn I PAPER ADVANCE ar s PATENTEU DEC 41973 SHEEI 1 BF 6L s MN COMP 'H RmT ADVANCE J7 PATENTEU DEE 41973 ShEU 2 OF 6 p I I I 1 IPATENTEU DEC 4 E373 SHEET Q 0F 6 PATENTEU 4 sum s or 6 9- Q W GRAINANALYSIS COMPUTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relatesgenerally to grain analyst computers, and more particularly to a grainanalyst computer which can be used to measure specific constituents ofsoybeans or the like.

The use of soybeans to manufacture a wide variety of diversifiedarticles is well-known. Soybeans can be used to produce proteinconcentrated food products as well as plastics of all types. Also, theoil in soybeans can be used for a multitude of different reasons.Because of the wide variety of substances which can be made fromsoybeans it is desired to know the relative per cent of each of theprimary constituents within soybeans to be processed for each of thedifferent products which are to be made. For example, when utilizing thesoybean to manufacture protein food supplements, it is desired to obtainsoybeans having a known per cent of protein constituent therein so thatthe buyer can determine the quality and price of the soybeans. On theother hand, when oils are to be extracted from the soybeans it isdesired to know the relative per cent of oil within the soybean for thesame reason. In either instance it is always desired to know therelative amount of moisture within the soybeans because this moisture isnot used in the refining process of the soybean but only adds to theweight of the unprocessed grain. Therefore, if one were to buy aquantity of soybeans by weight, he would be paying for the moisturewhich is not used in the end product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of this inventionto provide a new and improved grain analyst computer which will providea simple method of determining the amount of oil, protein and moisturein percent by weight within grain samples such as soybeans or the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide a grain analyst computerwhich is efficient and reliable in operation and which isrelatively'inexpensive to manufacture as compared to other known grainanalyzing equipment.

As mentioned above, soybeans are processed into many different endproducts and the processors of the end products have a vital interest inknowing the per cent by weight of such things as inoisture, protein andoil within the soybeans being used. All soybeans are not alike. Somehave more or less protein, some have more or less oil, and some havemore or less moisture. These variations will occur from soybeans takenfrom different fields and from soybeans taken from different areas ofthe same field. This is of interest because the yield of the end productthat will be obtained during the process depends on the amount of theconstituent to be extracted from the soybeans. The grain analystcomputer of this invention is designed to provide an accurate directreadout in per cent by weight of oil, protein and moisture in less than5 minutes. This would make it feasible to test beans while still on thetruck or rail car so that the soybeans can be categorized and placed instorage elevators or storage bins with soybeans of similarcharacteristics. This in turn permits the elevator operator to buy, binand sell beans on the basis of the amount of oil, protein and moisturewithin the soybeans so that similar soybeans can be put in the same thisingredient can be made with assurance that the buyer and seller are incomplete agreement on the per cent of protein within the given shipment.The buyer who is looking for soybeans having a high per cent of proteinis willing to pay a premium for such beans. The same thing applies tobuyers who want a high percent of oil in soybeans.

Users desiring a high oil content will pay a premium for such soybeansbecause there is less waste in unit weight of the processed bean. Thegrain analyst computer of this invention provides a readout of themoisture content as a percentage of gross weight and then gives thepercentage of protein and oil of the residual dry weight that is left.Therefore, pricing can be done on the basis of weight less the moisturecontent. A new and improved means of measuring these importantconstituents in soybeans will give both the buyer and seller a simpleand fast means to determine the value of the product during trade andallow for payment on the basis of actual value.

To better satisfy the buyers needs and hence provide a basis for moreefficient and effective marketing, large quantities of soybeans ofsimilar constituent analysis, regardless of the field or farmerproviding the same, can be placed in large common bins and shippedtogether without worry of intermixing of soybeans or lesser or differentquality. 7

Briefly, the grain analyst computer of this invention is provided with aquartz-iodide or simlar type lamp which is an infrared radiant energysource. The infrared radiation is directed toward the surface of aquantity of grain to be analyzed, this grain sample preferably being ina relatively fine ground state. The infrared radiation is directedtoward the grain through a collimating lens to make the light raysthereof substantially parallel. The parallel infrared rays are directedthrough a baffle box which has an aperture in one wall to preventoutside light from intermixing therewith. This will isolate the parallelinfrared radiation passing through the aperture. The parallel rays arethen directed through a selected one of a plurality of discrete filterelements prior to impinging upon the surface of the grain sample. Thefilter elements are selectively adjustable as to angle of incident sothat a precise frequency of the infrared radiation can be selected. Thereflected rays, preferably of a relatively narrow frequency as selectedby the discrete filter elements, are directed to a photocell or othersensing elements to produce output pulses having amplitudescorresponding to the quantity of the constituents being measured. Theelectrical pulse signal is then delivered to a storage circuit andtherefrom to a computing circuit where an output signal is generated fordisplay by a readout device which can take the fonn of either a lightunit or a strip chart recorder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of ahousing containing the necessary mechanism and circuitry for the grainanalyst computer of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram showing the basic principles ofoperation of the grain analyst computer of this invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified circuit block diagram for providingcomputation of the pulse signal information obtained;

FIG. 4 is a perspective partially broken away view of the housing ofFIG. 1 showing the relative position of a filter wheel and synchronizingwheel utilized to provide pulse signal information and furtherillustrates the position of a grain sample drawer to be insertedtherein;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a baffle box which preventsextraneous light from intermixing with parallel infrared rays used toanalyze the grain sample;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the filter wheel constructed in accordance withthe principles of this invention to be utilized with the grain analystcomputer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the filter wheelof FIG. 6 showing certain details of construction thereof;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the filter wheel taken alongline 99 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing a single filter element of thisinvention in a disassembled condition from the filter wheel;

FIG. 11 is an elevational partially sectional view of a synchronizingwheel and light-emitting and lightreceiving means to producesynchronizing pulses in accordance with the principles of thisinvention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the synchronizing wheel of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the filter wheel of this invention showing therelative axial disposition of arcuate slots formed therein to providesynchronizing pulses coincident with the position of the filter elementson the filter wheel of this invention;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary view showing a drawer in open conditionwhereupon a reference standard element is positioned in registry withthe light source to provide a reference standard pulse for automaticallycalibrating the grain analyst computer;

FIG. 15 illustrates the drawer of FIG. 14 in a closed condition thusplacing a grain sample in registry with the light source and filterelements; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a series of pulse wave forms which correspond to thequantity of a particular constituent being analyzed as selected by aparticular filter element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG.1 there is seen an elevational perspective view of a grain analystcomputer constructed in accordance with the principles of this inventionand is designated generally by reference numeral 10. The grain analystcomputer 10 includes a housing 11 into which all of the componentsnecessary to analyze a quantity of grain are positioned. The housing 11preferably includes a front panel 12 which has a lightoperated directreadout panel 13 and a plurality of selector buttons 14 along the leftmargin thereof. The uppermost button 16 of this column is an automaticopermode of operation, such as Automatic" Makes readout display allpercentages and all logs in sequence. Percent Oil Makes readout displayonly oil reading. Percent Protein Makes readout display only proteinreading. Percent Moisture" Makes readout display only moisture reading.Log l"through Log 6 Makes readout display whichever log is selected.Start Starts sequence when automatic mode is desired. Reset" Stopsautomatic mode in process and returns to Ready". Percent Only Used withAutomatic and limits sequence to percent readings. Print Disable" Usedwith Automatic and limits sequence to visual display (in the event thata printer is interfaced with the grain analysis computer). Print Canmake printer record any figure that is displayed on readout. PaperAdvance Used to advance paper in the printer. Grain 1 through Grain 3Selects proper set of fixed data for meal being tested. (Also serve asON buttons). Off Turns machine and motor completely off.

When an auxiliary strip chart recorder is used in conjunction with thegrain analyst computer 10 to provide a permanent record of the differentreadouts, a pair of button switch controls 17 and 18 are actuated toprovide print and paper advance operations, respectively.

A plurality of indicator lights 19 adjacent each of the switches 14 andthe switch 16 as well as those indicator lights 19 adjacent the readoutpanel 13 will provide information as to what the numbers on the readoutpanel 13 represent. For example, if the readout is to represent oil orprotein, the light adjacent the oil or protein selector switch on thefront panel will be luminated. Similarly, if a log readout is obtainedof any given infrared spectrum, that light will also be energized toindicate the same.

Also provided in the front panel 12 of the grain analyst computer 10 isa drawer 20 which receives a grain sample therein to be analyzed. Thedrawer 20 is pulled out to a limited extent so that a switch is actuatedto energize automatic calibration control circuitry. When the drawer isin this full outward position a reference standard element, preferablyof teflon material or the like, is placed in registry with a lightsource and a filter wheel so that the circuitry can be automaticallycalibrated to compensate for changes in such things as temperature,moisture or changes in line voltage or supply voltage within the unit.When the drawer is pulled out and the reference standard element is inregistry with the light source a grain sample receptacle 24 will beexposed so that a quantity of grain can be inserted therein. Uponclosure of the drawer 20 the reference standard element is removed fromregistry with the light source and the switch for automatic calibrationis deactuated. A second switch is provided which will be actuated toindicate the drawer in a full closed condition to thereby give anindication that the grain sample is in the proper place.

Referring now to FIG. 2 a simplified block diagram showing the basictheory of operation is illustrated. Here a light source designatedgenerally by reference numeral 21 produces infrared light rays to bedirected toward a collimating lens 22 which causes the infrared rays tobe projected toward a movable filter member 23 in substantially aparallel configuration as indicated by the broken lines extendingbetween the lens and the filter member. When a discrete filter elementof the filter member 23 is registry with the light source 21 and a grainsample receptacle 24 positioned therebeneath, a quantity of infraredradiation impinges the surface of a grain sample 26 positioned withinthe receptacle so that only reflected rays, as indicated by theangularly disposed arrowed lines, are directed upwardly from the surfaceof the grain sample to impinge upon a sensing element 27. Preferably, aphotocell 27 is positioned beneath the filter disc 23 and immediatelyabove the grain sample receptacle. The photocell 27 has the top or backside thereof shielded so that only light rays which are reflectedupwardly from the grain sample will produce an output signal from thephotocell. The sensing element 27 is an infrared sensitive photocellwhich will produce a pulse output having an amplitude corresponding tothe quantity of the constituent being measured. 1

Referring now to FIG. 3 there is seen a simplified block diagram of theelectrical operation of the grain analyst computer of this invention.Here the photocell 27 provides an output pulse signal which is deliveredto electronic amplifier means 28 which, in turn, provide an output pulseto the input of the plurality of channels within a sample and holdcircuit 29. Prefer'ably, there are six channels to the sample and holdcircuit 29, one channel for each of the six different filter elements ofthe rotatable filter wheel 23. The outputs of the sample and holdcircuits 29 are delivered to a computer logic circuit 30 which includesa resistor and diode matrix arrangement for providing summationinformation as to the pulses produced by the photocell 27. Preferably,the amplitude of the pulse produced by the photocell is converted into avoltage having a logarithm characteristic which can be added through aresistor matrix. The output of the computer logic circuit 30 isdelivered to a digital readout 31, which may take the form of the visualdisplay 13 on the front panel 12 of FIG. 1. This output signal can alsobe delivered to a tape printer 32 to provide a permanent record of theinformation obtained. Similarly, the signal can be delivered to dataprocessing equipment designated generally by reference numeral 33. Toinsure that the proper pulses from the filter elements are inserted intothe corresponding channels of the sameple and hold circuitry 29, asynchronizing circuit means 34 is mechanically connected with the filterwheel 23, FIG. 2, and electrically connected with the computer logiccircuit 30 and the output of the amplifier circuit 28.

Referring now to FIG. 4 the grain analyst computer housing 11 has aportion broken away to illustrate the interior structure thereof. Thehousing 11 includes a vertical internal support wall 36 to which ismounted a drive motor 37 which has a double ended shaft 38 extendingsubstantially vertically within the housing. Also mounted to thevertical support wall 36 is a baflle box 39 which supports the infraredlight source 21 and the collimating lens 22, as best seen in FIG. 5. Thebaffle box 39 is shown in FIG. 4 without the cover so that otherstructures are more clearly seen. The bafile box is secured to the wall36 by means of a bracket 40. As seen in FIG. 5 the baffle box 39 isformed of two portions, a cove portion 39a and a base portion 39b whichare joined together to form a tight light unit except for an aperture39c formed in the lower wall thereof. The

baffle box 39 prevents unwanted extraneous light from intermixing withthe parallel light rays passing from the collimating lens 22 through theaperture 390 and through the filter elements.

The synchronizing means 34 includes a synchronizing wheel 34a rotatablysecured to the double ended shaft 38 at the uppermost portion thereof torotate in unison with the filter wheel 23. Also associated with thesynchronizing means 34 is a plurality of photoresponsive transistors 34bpositioned on top of the synchronizing wheel 34a and a plurality oflight-emitting diodes 34c positioned directly beneath the synchronizingwheel. The synchronizing wheel 34a has a plurality of arcuately shapedslots 43 disposed at different radially outward positions as measuredfrom the central axis thereof. Also positioned at different radialpositions are the light-responsive transistors and light-emitting diodes34b and 34c, respectively. There is one more lightresponsive transistorand light-responsive diode than there are filter elements. As seen inFIG. 11 there are seven such pairs of light-responsive transistors andlight-emitting diodes 34b and 34c. The outboard most light-responsivetransistor 35a and light-emitting diode 35b are thus placed in registrywith a plurality of arcuate slots 45, FIGS. 12 and 13, which arepositioned on a common radius about a synchronizing wheel 34a. Thesynchronizing wheel 34a allows no signal to pass from the light-emittingdiodes to the light-responsive transistors until the associated slotsappear. Each arcuate slot 43 is on a different diameter to provide asynchronizing pulse for each of the filter elements of the filter wheel.

On the other hand, each of the slots 45 on the common circumference willproduce a synchronizing pulse during the dark or low signal portion ofthe waveshape of FIG. 16. This, therefore, allows the photocell to senseonly when the energy level is at a maximum or peak for each filter andits minimum or valley portion is eliminated. Also, it will be understoodthat" means may be provided to adjust the arcuate length of the slots bydual disc so that the pulse width produced thereby can be adjusted ifdesired.

The photoresponsive transistor 34b and lightemitting diodes 340 aresecured to a U-shaped support bracket 41 which has the extended armportions thereof positioned on opposite sides of the synchronizing wheel34a. This U-shaped support bracket is fastened to a top plate member 42within the housing 11 and is adjustable so as to permit synchronizationof the light column with the filters. The bracket 41 is so arranged thatthe radial extent of the photoresponsive transistors and light-emittingdiodes can be adjusted so that they are in direct registry with theirassociated slots.

The angular disposition of the arcuate shaped slots 43 correspondsubstantially to the angular disposition of an associated one of apluraltiy of discrete filter elements 46 associated with the filterwheel 23, this being 60 where six such filter elements are used. Whenone of the discrete filter elements 46 is in registry between the lightsource and the sample to be analyzed, so also is the appropriate arcuateslot 43 in registry between the phototransistor and light-emittingdiode. Therefore, when the particular light-emitting diode andphototransistor are operative to produce a gate pulse, it will activatethe appropriate channel corresponding to the filter element then inregistry with the grain sample.

The drawer 20, in FIG. 4, is shown in its open position and the grainsample receptacle 24 is positioned next to a partition wall 47 whichprevents outside light from interfering with a reading taken from areference standard element 48 which, in turn, is positioned in thedrawer but in the rear portion thereof. When the drawer is open asshown, the reference standard element 48 is automatically placed inregistry with the lightsource and the appropriate circuitry is adjustedaccordingly to compensate for such things as, for example, temperature,power supply voltage deviation, and the like. The reference standardelement may be changed when the analyst computer is to be used toanalyze different materials.

For a better understanding of one of the novel elements of thisinvention, reference is now made to FIG. 6 which shows a plan view ofthe filter wheel 23 which has a plurality of filter elements 46adjustably disposed therein along a common radius line. As best seen inFIG. 7 each of the filter elements 46 is associated with a filterholding plate and recess which form a nest structure which is readilyadjustable so that the angle of incident between the infrared rays andthe filter element is adjustable to select the desired frequency of theinfrared radiation. For example, the filter holding plate 50 fits into arecess 51 formed in the filter wheel 23 and has the radially innermostportion thereof urged downward by means of a circular spring element 52which engages an upstanding adjusting screw 53 threaded into the holderplate 50. A pivot point is formed between a pair of pivot screws 54 and55 so that the radially outward end portion thereof can be adjustedupwardly and downwardly by means of an adjusting screw 56. The plane orangle of incident of the filter element 46 is then readily adjustablerelative to the plane of the filter wheel 23 so that the preciseinfrared frequency that will pass therethrough can be selected. Once thedesired frequency has been obtained, the filter element holding disc 50is locked into position by means of a peripheral locking screw 57.

As best seen in FIG. 8, which is a sectional view taken along line 8-8of FIG. 7, the pivot adjusting screw 54 has a rounded end portion 54awhich fits into a V- shaped recess or pivot point 58 formed in therecess 51 of the filter wheel 23. This is also true for the pivot screw55. The spring bias applied to the filter element holding disc 50 islocated radially inwardly of the pivot point, as shown in FIG. 9, sothat the filter holding plate 50 has the radially outward end portionthereof urged upwardly as seen in the figure. This is then adjusted bymeans of the adjusting screw 56 and the entire unit is locked inposition by the locking screw 57. The filter element 46 then has theproper angle of incident with respect to the infrared rays impingingthereon so that only the desired frequency of radiant energy will passtherethrough.

For a more detailed understanding of the structure of the filter wheeland filter element holding disc of this invention, reference is now madeto FIG. which is a perspective exploded view. Here it can be seen thatthe filter holder plate 50 has a milled out section 50a into which isinserted the filter element 46. The filter element may be held into themilled out section either mechanically or by suitable adhesive such asepoxy or the like. It will be noted that the longitudinal axis of thefilter element 42 extends substantially perpendicular to the radiuswhich passes through the center of the recess 51. Therefore, as thefilter wheel 23 rotates, the filter element will be in-alignment withthe grain sample for a maximum period of time.

Referring now to FIG. 11 the details of the synchronizing unit 34 areshown. Here the support bracket 41 is clearly shown having the spacedapart arm portions thereof on opposite sides of the rotatingsynchronizing wheel 34a. An arcuate slot 43 is shown in registry betweenthe photoresponsive transistors 34b and the light-emitting diodes 34c,with a light path being indicated by an arrowed line. As each of thearcuate slots 43 pass in between the photoresponsive transistors and thelight-emitting diodes, a gating pulse is generated to store the signalinformation of the constituents being measured within the properchannel. FIGS. 12 and 13 clearly illustrate that the arcuate slots 43are placed at different radial extents from the center of thesynchronizing wheel 34a. Thus, the photoresponsive transistors will besequentially rendered operative from a radial inward to a radial outwardposition or vice versa. Therefore, as the discrete filter elements passover the grain sample being analyzed and reflected radiant energyimpinges upon the photocell or other sensing unit, a continuouslyvariable output signal is thus generated. However, by the use of thesynchronizing wheel, only that segment of each of the pulses generatedwhich corresponds to the maximumamplitude is utilized. This is bestillustrated in FIG. 16 which shows a waveshape configuration 60corresponding to the output signal of photocell which receives reflectedlight from the grain sample being analyzed, and which reflected lightcorresponds in frequency to the filter elements then in registrytherewith. However, when the gating pulse signal produced by thesynchronizing wheel is generated, only the maximum amplitude portion ofthe waveshape 60 is thus utilized, this being illustrated by thewaveshape 61 which shows a plurality of square wave pulses having anamplitude corresponding substantially to the maximum amplitude of thewave shape 60. The amplitude of each of the pulses thus corresponds tothe quantity of the constituent being analyzed, preferably this quantitybeing in per cent by weight.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 the drawer 20 is here shown in its fullyopen and in its fully closed conditions, respectively. The referencestandard element 48, which is preferably of teflon material, is shownpositioned in the drawer in a substantially rearward location. Thepartition wall 47 prevents outside light from intermixing with the lightfrom the light source 21 while the reference standard element is beingused. When the drawer is in the closed condition the reference standardelement is displaced from the light source and filter elements and thegrain sample receptacle 24 and the grain therein is then placed inregistry with the light source and filter elements.

The grain sample receptacle 24 is located within the drawer by means ofthree spaced apart upstanding pins 62 so that the grain receptacle canbe removed for filling and then located precisely within the drawer sothat it will be accurately placed underneath the light source and thefilter elements. As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, limit switches 63 and 64sense the drawer open and drawer closed condition to energize circuitryfor automatic calibration of the electronic components while the draweris in the open position. To insure proper registry of the referencestandard element 48 and of the grain sample receptacle 24, a spring biaslatching lever 66 is pivoted about a point 67 by means of a coil spring68 having arm portions thereof engaging the lever and the bottom wall ofthe drawer. When the drawer is in the closed position as shown in FIG.the lever 66 engages a latch pin 70 and both the limit switches 63 and64 are actuated to energize the circuitry for providing a direct readoutof the constituents being measured, it being understood that a startswitch is previously actuated. When the drawer is pulled out to removethe grain sample, the latching lever 66 has the detent end 660 thereofengage a stop pin 71 so that the drawer cannot be pulled out beyond apredetermined point. This then insures that the reference standardelement 48 is in exact registry with the light source and the filterelement. To completely remove the drawer from the grain sample analyzer,the latching lever 66 is pushed to the side so that the detent end 66abecomes disengagd from the stop pin 71. Thus the drawer can be removedand the reference standard element replaced if desired.

What has been described is an efficient and reliable grain analystcomputer which has particular utility when utilized for analyzingconstituents such as moisture, protein and oil within soybeans or thelike. However, it will be understood that the apparatus of thisinvention can be utilized to analyze other materials of which theconstituents are to be determined. Accordingly, variations andmodifications of this invention may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the novel concepts disclosed and claimed herein.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A grain analyst computer for measuring quantities of predeterminedconstituents of grain, comprising: a housing, a grain sample receptaclepositionable within said housing for receiving a grain sample to beanalyzed, movable filter means within said housing sequentially to movea plurality of discrete filter elements into registry with said grainsample receptacle, each filter element passing only a preselectedfrequency of radiant energy, a radiant energy source positioned withinsaid housing for directing radiant energy through said filter means andonto the surface of a grain sample within said grain sample receptacleto provide a reflected radiant energy signal of said preselectedfrequency, the number of said reflected radiant energy signals producedfor each grain sample corresponding to the number of discrete filterelements associated with said movable filter means, circuit meanspositioned within said housing for receiving said reflected radiantenergy signals to provide an output voltage corresponding to theconstituent being measured, and readout means responsive to said circuitmeans for providing a readout of the constituent being measured.

2. The grain analyst computer of claim 1 wherein said movable means is afilter wheel having a plurality of filter elements positioned at spacedlocations about a common radius thereof, each filter element includingmeans for adjusting the plane of the filter element relative to theplane of said filter wheel, thereby providing means for accuratelyselecting a desired narrow spectrum of frequency of the radiant energysource to pass through each of said filter elements.

3. The grain analyst computer of claim 1 including a baffle boxpositioned within said housing in registry with said grain samplereceptacle when positioned in said housing, said baffle box havingsaidradiant-energy source mounted at one end thereof and an aperturedwall at the other end thereof, whereby radiant energy directed towardthe grain sample receptacle is free by unwanted external radiantsources.

4. The grain analyst computer of claim 1 wherein said housing includes afront panel, direct readout means located on said front panel to providereadout in per cent by weight of the constituent then being displayed,and light-indicator means located on said front panel to be energized toindicate which of the constituents is then being displayed on saidreadout means.

5. The grain analyst computer of claim 4 further including selectorswitch means for actuating said readout means to display the quantity ofa desired constituent of a plurality of constituents being analyzed.

6. The grain analyst computer of claim 1 further including a drawermovable into and retractable from said housing, said drawer includingmeans for receiving a reference standard element at one location in saiddrawer to be in registry with said filter means and said radiant energysource when said drawer is in a retracted position, and means forreceiving said grain sample receptacle at another location in saiddrawer to be in registry with said filter means and said radiant energysource when said drawer is in an inserted position, switch meansactuated by said drawer, said switch means operatively connected to saidcircuit means to cause automatic calibration of said circuit means whensaid drawer is in said retracted position to place said referencestandard element in registry with said radiant energy source and saidmovable filter means.

7. The grain analyst computer of claim 1 further including synchronizingmeans in said housing to enable said circuit means when each discretefilter element of said movable filter means is in registry with saidgrain sample receptacle.

8. The grain analyst computer of claim 7 wherein said synchronizingmeans is a rotatable adjustable member and said movable means is afilter wheel arranged for common rotation with said rotatable member.

9. The grain analyst computer of claim 8 wherein said rotatable memberof said synchronizing-means includes a plurality of arcuately shapedadjustable slots at different radial positions outwardly of the centerof said rotatable member and further including light-emitting meanspositioned on one side of said rotatable member and light-receivingmeans on the other side of said rotatable member, the passage of saidarcuately shaped slots will cause energization of said light-receivingmeans to produce a gating signal when the corresponding filter elementis in registry with said grain sample receptacle.

10. The grain analyst computer of claim 1 wherein the amplitude of saidreflected radiant energy pulses will correspond to the amount of theparticular constituent being measured.

11. The grain analyst computer of claim 1 wherein said movable filtermeans includes a rotatable disc, a plurality of spaced apart recessesformed in said rotatable disc about a common radius, said discretefilter element being inserted into said recesses, and means foradjusting any plane of each filter element relative to the plane of saidrotatable disc to thereby adjust the frequency of the radiant energydirected toward the grain sample.

12. The grain analyst computer of claim 11 wherein said pluraltiy ofrecesses are round in configuration and each of said discrete filterelements is secured to filter holder plate insertable into saidrecesses, and further including pivot means associated with said filterholder plates, spring bias means for urging said filter holder platestoward said rotatable disc about said pivot, and means to adjust thetension of said spring bias means against said filter holder plates.

13. The grain analyst computer of claim 12 wherein said pivot of each ofsaid filter holder plates is located on a common radius about saidrotatable disc, said bias means being formed of a resilient plate urgedtoward said rotatable disc so that the peripheral portions of saidresilient plate engage said filter holder plates to urge them toward therotatable disc about their respective pivots, and wherein said adjustingmeans is a threaded member formed at the periphery of said filter holderplates opposite the point engaging said resilient plate.

14. A grain analyst computer comprising: a source or radiant energy forimpingement upon a grain sample to be analyzed, movable filter means formoving a plurality of discrete filter elements into registry betweensaid source of radiant energy and the grain sample, said movable filtermeans including discrete filter receiving portions, and means foradjusting the position of each of said discrete filter elements relativeto said discrete filter receiving portion thereby providing means forselectively adjusting the characteristic of the radiant energy thatpasses through said filter elements and impinges upon the grain sample,and circuit means responsive to an output signal produced by each ofsaid discrete filter elements to provide an output voltage having acharacteristic corresponding to the constituent being measured.

15. The grain analyst computer of claim 14 wherein said movable filtermeans includes a rotatable disc, a plurality of spaced apart recessesformed in said rotatable disc and located about a common radius, saiddiscrete filter elements being inserted into said recesses, and meansfor locking the position of said filter elements relative to the planeof said rotatable disc after they have been adjusted.

16. The grain analyst computer of claim 15 wherein said plurality ofrecesses are round in configuration and each of said discrete filterelements is secured to a filter holder plate which is insertable into anassociated recess, and further including pivot means associated withsaid filter holder plates, spring bias means for urging said filterholder plates toward said rotatable disc about said pivot, and means toadjust the tension of said spring bias means against said fiter holderplates.

17. The grain analyst computer of claim 16 wherein said pivot of each ofsaid filter holder plates is located on a common radius about saidrotatable disc, said bias means being formed of a resilient plate urgedtoward said rotatable disc so that the peripheral portion of saidresilient plate bears against said filter holder plates to urge themtoward the rotatable disc about their respective pivots, and whereinsaid adjusting means is a threaded member located at the periphery ofsaid filter holder plates opposite the point engaging said resilientplate.

18. The grain analystcomputer of claim 14 further includingsynchronizing means to enable said circuit means when each discretefilter element of said movable filter means is in registry with thegrain sample and said source of radiant energy.

19. The grain analyst computer of claim 18 wherein said synchronizingmeans is a rotatable member, and said movable filter means is a filterwheel arranged for common rotation with said rotatable member.

20. The grain analyst computer of claim 19 wherein said rotatable memberof said synchronizing means includes a plurality of arcuately shapedslots at different radial positions outwardly of the center of saidrotatable member, and further including light-emitting means positionedon one side of said rotatable member and light-receiving meanspositioned on the other side of said rotatable member, the passage ofsaid arcuately shaped adjustable slots between said light-emitting meansand said light-receiving means will cause energization of saidlight-receiving means to produce a gating signal when the correspondingfilter element is in registry with said grain sample and said source ofradiant energy.

21. An analyst computer for determining-the amount of predeterminedconstituents within a given material, comprising: a source of radiantenergy for impingement upon the material to be analyzed, movable filtermeans for moving a plurality of discrete filter elements into registrybetween said source of radiant energy and the material, said movablefilter means including discrete filter receiving portions, and means foradjusting the position of each of said discrete filter elements relativeto said discrete filter receiving portion thereby providing means forselectively adjusting the characteristic of the radiant energy thatpasses through said filter elements and impinges upon the material,circuit means responsive to an output signal produced by each of saiddiscrete filter elements to provide an output voltage having acharacteristic corresponding to the constituent being measured, andreadout means responsive to the output voltage of said circuit means forproviding a visual readout of the quantity of the constituent beingmeasured.

22. The analyst computer of claim 21 wherein said movable filterincludes a rotatable disc, a plurality of spaced apart recesses formedin said rotatable disc and located about a common radius, said discretefilter elements being inserted into said recesses, and means for lockingthe position of said filter elements relative to the plane of saidrotatable disc after they have been adjusted.

23. The analyst computer of claim 22 wherein said plurality of recessesare round in configuration and each of said discrete filter elements issecured to a filter holder plate which is insertable into an associatedrecess, and further including pivot means associated with said filterholder plates, spring bias means for urging said filter holder platestoward said rotatable disc about said pivot, and means to adjust thetension of said spring bias means against said filter holder plates.

24. The analyst computer of claim 23 wherein said pivot of each of saidfilter holder plates is located on a common radius about said rotatabledisc, said bias means being formed of a resilient plate urged towardsaid rotatable disc so that the peripheral portion of said resilientplate bears against said filter holder plates to urge them toward therotatable disc about their respective pivots, and wherein said adjustingmeans is a threaded member located at the periphery of said filterholder plates opposite the point engaging said resilient plate.

25. The analyst computer of claim 21 further including synchronizingmeans to enable said circuit means when each discrete filter element ofsaid movable filter means is in registry with the material to beanalyzed and said source of radiant energy.

26. The analyst computer of claim 25 wherein said synchronizing means isa rotatable member, and said movable filter means is a filter wheelarranged for common rotation with said rotatable member.

27. The analyst computer of claim 26 wherein said rotatable member ofsaid synchronizing means includes a first plurality of openings atdifferent radial distances outwardly of the center of said rotatablemember and a second plurality of openings at a common radial distance ofthe center and further including light-emitting means positioned on oneside of said rotatable member and light-receiving means positioned onthe other side of said rotatable member, the passage of siad firstplurality of openings between their associated lightemitting means andsaid light-receiving means will cause energization of the associatedlight-receiving means to produce an enable gate signal when thecorresponding filter element is in registry with the material and saidsource of radiant energy, and the passage of said second plurality ofopenings between their associated light-emitting means and saidlight-receiving means will cause energization of the associatedlightreceiving means to produce a blocking gate signal when the filterelements are not in registry with the material and said source ofradiant energy.

28. An analyst computer for determining the amount of predeterminedconstituents within a given material, comprising: a source of radiantenergy for impingement upon the material to be analyzed to providereflected radiant energy therefrom having a characteristic correspondingto the constituent being measured, circuit means responsive to saidreflected radiant energy to provide an output signal corresponding tothe constituent being measured, readout means responsive to the outputsignal of said circuit means for providing a readout of the quantity ofthe constituent being measured, reference standard means for positioningin registry with said source of radiant energy prior to positioning thematerial to be analyzed in registry therewith, and means automaticallyto calibrate said circuit means in response to reflected radiant energyfrom said reference standard means.

29. The analyst computer of claim 28 further including a drawer movablebetween first and second positions, said drawer having means to receivethe material to be measured at a precise location therein and means forholding said reference standard means so that when said drawer is insaid first position said reference standard means is located in registrywith said source of radiant energy for automatic calibration of saidcircuit means, and when said drawer is in said second position thematerial to be analyzed is in registry with said source of radiantenergy.

30. The analyst computer of claim 28 further including, movable filtermeans for moving a plurality of discrete filter elements into registrywith said source of radiant energy and the material to be analyzed, saiddiscrete filter elements selecting a desired frequency from said sourceof radiant energy to be directed onto the material to be analyzed, saidmovable filter means further including means for adjusting the angle ofincident of said discrete filter elements relative to the ray from saidsource of radiant energy.

Disclaimer 3,776,642-James H. Anson, Suburn, and Donald E. OlVaaZ,Springfield, I11.

GRAIN ANALYSIS COMPUTER. Patent dated Dec. 4:, 1978. Disclaimer filedJune 24, 1976, by the assignee, Dickey-John Gorpomzfion.

Hereby enters this disclaimer to claims 28 and 29 of said patent.

[Ofiicz'al Gazette August 1'7, 1.976.]

1. A grain analyst computer for measuring quantities of predeterminedconstituents of grain, comprising: a housing, a grain sample receptaclepositionable within said housing for receiving a grain sample to beanalyzed, movable filter meAns within said housing sequentially to movea plurality of discrete filter elements into registry with said grainsample receptacle, each filter element passing only a preselectedfrequency of radiant energy, a radiant energy source positioned withinsaid housing for directing radiant energy through said filter means andonto the surface of a grain sample within said grain sample receptacleto provide a reflected radiant energy signal of said preselectedfrequency, the number of said reflected radiant energy signals producedfor each grain sample corresponding to the number of discrete filterelements associated with said movable filter means, circuit meanspositioned within said housing for receiving said reflected radiantenergy signals to provide an output voltage corresponding to theconstituent being measured, and readout means responsive to said circuitmeans for providing a readout of the constituent being measured.
 2. Thegrain analyst computer of claim 1 wherein said movable means is a filterwheel having a plurality of filter elements positioned at spacedlocations about a common radius thereof, each filter element includingmeans for adjusting the plane of the filter element relative to theplane of said filter wheel, thereby providing means for accuratelyselecting a desired narrow spectrum of frequency of the radiant energysource to pass through each of said filter elements.
 3. The grainanalyst computer of claim 1 including a baffle box positioned withinsaid housing in registry with said grain sample receptacle whenpositioned in said housing, said baffle box having said radiant energysource mounted at one end thereof and an apertured wall at the other endthereof, whereby radiant energy directed toward the grain samplereceptacle is free by unwanted external radiant sources.
 4. The grainanalyst computer of claim 1 wherein said housing includes a front panel,direct readout means located on said front panel to provide readout inper cent by weight of the constituent then being displayed, andlight-indicator means located on said front panel to be energized toindicate which of the constituents is then being displayed on saidreadout means.
 5. The grain analyst computer of claim 4 furtherincluding selector switch means for actuating said readout means todisplay the quantity of a desired constituent of a plurality ofconstituents being analyzed.
 6. The grain analyst computer of claim 1further including a drawer movable into and retractable from saidhousing, said drawer including means for receiving a reference standardelement at one location in said drawer to be in registry with saidfilter means and said radiant energy source when said drawer is in aretracted position, and means for receiving said grain sample receptacleat another location in said drawer to be in registry with said filtermeans and said radiant energy source when said drawer is in an insertedposition, switch means actuated by said drawer, said switch meansoperatively connected to said circuit means to cause automaticcalibration of said circuit means when said drawer is in said retractedposition to place said reference standard element in registry with saidradiant energy source and said movable filter means.
 7. The grainanalyst computer of claim 1 further including synchronizing means insaid housing to enable said circuit means when each discrete filterelement of said movable filter means is in registry with said grainsample receptacle.
 8. The grain analyst computer of claim 7 wherein saidsynchronizing means is a rotatable adjustable member and said movablemeans is a filter wheel arranged for common rotation with said rotatablemember.
 9. The grain analyst computer of claim 8 wherein said rotatablemember of said synchronizing means includes a plurality of arcuatelyshaped adjustable slots at different radial positions outwardly of thecenter of said rotatable member and further including light-emittingmeans positioned on one side of said rotatable member Andlight-receiving means on the other side of said rotatable member, thepassage of said arcuately shaped slots will cause energization of saidlight-receiving means to produce a gating signal when the correspondingfilter element is in registry with said grain sample receptacle.
 10. Thegrain analyst computer of claim 1 wherein the amplitude of saidreflected radiant energy pulses will correspond to the amount of theparticular constituent being measured.
 11. The grain analyst computer ofclaim 1 wherein said movable filter means includes a rotatable disc, aplurality of spaced apart recesses formed in said rotatable disc about acommon radius, said discrete filter element being inserted into saidrecesses, and means for adjusting any plane of each filter elementrelative to the plane of said rotatable disc to thereby adjust thefrequency of the radiant energy directed toward the grain sample. 12.The grain analyst computer of claim 11 wherein said pluraltiy ofrecesses are round in configuration and each of said discrete filterelements is secured to filter holder plate insertable into saidrecesses, and further including pivot means associated with said filterholder plates, spring bias means for urging said filter holder platestoward said rotatable disc about said pivot, and means to adjust thetension of said spring bias means against said filter holder plates. 13.The grain analyst computer of claim 12 wherein said pivot of each ofsaid filter holder plates is located on a common radius about saidrotatable disc, said bias means being formed of a resilient plate urgedtoward said rotatable disc so that the peripheral portions of saidresilient plate engage said filter holder plates to urge them toward therotatable disc about their respective pivots, and wherein said adjustingmeans is a threaded member formed at the periphery of said filter holderplates opposite the point engaging said resilient plate.
 14. A grainanalyst computer comprising: a source or radiant energy for impingementupon a grain sample to be analyzed, movable filter means for moving aplurality of discrete filter elements into registry between said sourceof radiant energy and the grain sample, said movable filter meansincluding discrete filter receiving portions, and means for adjustingthe position of each of said discrete filter elements relative to saiddiscrete filter receiving portion thereby providing means forselectively adjusting the characteristic of the radiant energy thatpasses through said filter elements and impinges upon the grain sample,and circuit means responsive to an output signal produced by each ofsaid discrete filter elements to provide an output voltage having acharacteristic corresponding to the constituent being measured.
 15. Thegrain analyst computer of claim 14 wherein said movable filter meansincludes a rotatable disc, a plurality of spaced apart recesses formedin said rotatable disc and located about a common radius, said discretefilter elements being inserted into said recesses, and means for lockingthe position of said filter elements relative to the plane of saidrotatable disc after they have been adjusted.
 16. The grain analystcomputer of claim 15 wherein said plurality of recesses are round inconfiguration and each of said discrete filter elements is secured to afilter holder plate which is insertable into an associated recess, andfurther including pivot means associated with said filter holder plates,spring bias means for urging said filter holder plates toward saidrotatable disc about said pivot, and means to adjust the tension of saidspring bias means against said fiter holder plates.
 17. The grainanalyst computer of claim 16 wherein said pivot of each of said filterholder plates is located on a common radius about said rotatable disc,said bias means being formed of a resilient plate urged toward saidrotatable disc so that the peripheral portion of said resilient platebears against said filter holder plates to uRge them toward therotatable disc about their respective pivots, and wherein said adjustingmeans is a threaded member located at the periphery of said filterholder plates opposite the point engaging said resilient plate.
 18. Thegrain analyst computer of claim 14 further including synchronizing meansto enable said circuit means when each discrete filter element of saidmovable filter means is in registry with the grain sample and saidsource of radiant energy.
 19. The grain analyst computer of claim 18wherein said synchronizing means is a rotatable member, and said movablefilter means is a filter wheel arranged for common rotation with saidrotatable member.
 20. The grain analyst computer of claim 19 whereinsaid rotatable member of said synchronizing means includes a pluralityof arcuately shaped slots at different radial positions outwardly of thecenter of said rotatable member, and further including light-emittingmeans positioned on one side of said rotatable member andlight-receiving means positioned on the other side of said rotatablemember, the passage of said arcuately shaped adjustable slots betweensaid light-emitting means and said light-receiving means will causeenergization of said light-receiving means to produce a gating signalwhen the corresponding filter element is in registry with said grainsample and said source of radiant energy.
 21. An analyst computer fordetermining the amount of predetermined constituents within a givenmaterial, comprising: a source of radiant energy for impingement uponthe material to be analyzed, movable filter means for moving a pluralityof discrete filter elements into registry between said source of radiantenergy and the material, said movable filter means including discretefilter receiving portions, and means for adjusting the position of eachof said discrete filter elements relative to said discrete filterreceiving portion thereby providing means for selectively adjusting thecharacteristic of the radiant energy that passes through said filterelements and impinges upon the material, circuit means responsive to anoutput signal produced by each of said discrete filter elements toprovide an output voltage having a characteristic corresponding to theconstituent being measured, and readout means responsive to the outputvoltage of said circuit means for providing a visual readout of thequantity of the constituent being measured.
 22. The analyst computer ofclaim 21 wherein said movable filter includes a rotatable disc, aplurality of spaced apart recesses formed in said rotatable disc andlocated about a common radius, said discrete filter elements beinginserted into said recesses, and means for locking the position of saidfilter elements relative to the plane of said rotatable disc after theyhave been adjusted.
 23. The analyst computer of claim 22 wherein saidplurality of recesses are round in configuration and each of saiddiscrete filter elements is secured to a filter holder plate which isinsertable into an associated recess, and further including pivot meansassociated with said filter holder plates, spring bias means for urgingsaid filter holder plates toward said rotatable disc about said pivot,and means to adjust the tension of said spring bias means against saidfilter holder plates.
 24. The analyst computer of claim 23 wherein saidpivot of each of said filter holder plates is located on a common radiusabout said rotatable disc, said bias means being formed of a resilientplate urged toward said rotatable disc so that the peripheral portion ofsaid resilient plate bears against said filter holder plates to urgethem toward the rotatable disc about their respective pivots, andwherein said adjusting means is a threaded member located at theperiphery of said filter holder plates opposite the point engaging saidresilient plate.
 25. The analyst computer of claim 21 further includingsynchronizing means to enable said circuit means when each discretefilter element of saId movable filter means is in registry with thematerial to be analyzed and said source of radiant energy.
 26. Theanalyst computer of claim 25 wherein said synchronizing means is arotatable member, and said movable filter means is a filter wheelarranged for common rotation with said rotatable member.
 27. The analystcomputer of claim 26 wherein said rotatable member of said synchronizingmeans includes a first plurality of openings at different radialdistances outwardly of the center of said rotatable member and a secondplurality of openings at a common radial distance of the center andfurther including light-emitting means positioned on one side of saidrotatable member and light-receiving means positioned on the other sideof said rotatable member, the passage of siad first plurality ofopenings between their associated light-emitting means and saidlight-receiving means will cause energization of the associatedlight-receiving means to produce an enable gate signal when thecorresponding filter element is in registry with the material and saidsource of radiant energy, and the passage of said second plurality ofopenings between their associated light-emitting means and saidlight-receiving means will cause energization of the associatedlight-receiving means to produce a blocking gate signal when the filterelements are not in registry with the material and said source ofradiant energy.
 28. An analyst computer for determining the amount ofpredetermined constituents within a given material, comprising: a sourceof radiant energy for impingement upon the material to be analyzed toprovide reflected radiant energy therefrom having a characteristiccorresponding to the constituent being measured, circuit meansresponsive to said reflected radiant energy to provide an output signalcorresponding to the constituent being measured, readout meansresponsive to the output signal of said circuit means for providing areadout of the quantity of the constituent being measured, referencestandard means for positioning in registry with said source of radiantenergy prior to positioning the material to be analyzed in registrytherewith, and means automatically to calibrate said circuit means inresponse to reflected radiant energy from said reference standard means.29. The analyst computer of claim 28 further including a drawer movablebetween first and second positions, said drawer having means to receivethe material to be measured at a precise location therein and means forholding said reference standard means so that when said drawer is insaid first position said reference standard means is located in registrywith said source of radiant energy for automatic calibration of saidcircuit means, and when said drawer is in said second position thematerial to be analyzed is in registry with said source of radiantenergy.
 30. The analyst computer of claim 28 further including, movablefilter means for moving a plurality of discrete filter elements intoregistry with said source of radiant energy and the material to beanalyzed, said discrete filter elements selecting a desired frequencyfrom said source of radiant energy to be directed onto the material tobe analyzed, said movable filter means further including means foradjusting the angle of incident of said discrete filter elementsrelative to the ray from said source of radiant energy.